FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – A 36-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend as her family members watched on.

Raheem Smith was convicted of murdering the mother of his child, Natasha McDade, at a Fort Worth apartment complex on March 20, 2013.

Smith received the maximum punishment and must serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole.

According to prosecutors, McDade broke up with Smith in the early part of 2013. Smith later armed himself with a handgun and went to the Primavera Apartments in the 2200 block of East Berry Street, where McDade was living with two sisters and several children.

Smith was attempting to push his way into the apartment when McDade arrived with a friend. Smith chased McDade around the complex courtyard before shooting her in the face.

“This man gunned down a young mother while she was on the ground pleading for her life—and he did it in front of her family,” said Prosecutor Tim Bednarz. “We appreciate the jury returning a just verdict for Natasha McDade and her family.”

Immediately afterwards, Smith shot himself in the back of the head, but never lost consciousness. He was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to jail.